There is a time and a way for everything, although man’s trouble lies heavy on him. (Ecclesiastes 8:6. ESV.) The Lord's thoughts and ways are not that of man. His word does not return empty, but accomplishes His purpose. (Isaiah 55:8, 10-11. ESV.) For His glory.

This blog is for encouragement not teaching or leadership (1 Timothy 2:12-15).

Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Together, they knew something was not quite right. Yet, they did not know exactly what. The feelings which built for a couple days would come to a point of explosion. There was no stopping the rage, the volcano which erupted like clockwork. It seemed there was no answer, no solution. Was this going to be forever?

The questions, maybe fear, and even a hopelessness sneak into our day to day, sometimes. Those on the outside, looking in, might find it easier to just walk away and say, “I tried. I did the best I could.” But then the one suffering is no closer to a resolution, no better off than before. He/she needs a support group…those he/she can lean on no matter how ugly it gets. (And, I have seen it get pretty horrid.) Taking a stance from a distance is understandable (especially when there is an issue of safety). No one wants to (or should be) in the direct path of a hurricane or destructive, fiery, all-consuming volcano! It takes courage, strength, wisdom, and most importantly the full armor of God!

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, (Ephesians 6:10-18. ESV.)

It will most likely take a lot of adjusting and earnest, fervent prayer for answers. It may take several years and a multitude of heartbreak. Don’t give up! Look to God, seek His grace, and ask that He will make Himself fully known by you. At times He says, “Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10.) Other times a door closes…but another will open. We do not always get what we want. Like a child asking for the desire of his/her heart…a parent will not consistently say, “Yes”. The loving father/mother can see a bigger picture which the child does not fully comprehend. Trust in the Lord.

Together, they decided to seek answers. They had already hurt a handful of people who loved them most…a few they even lost. Doubt and nervousness were present. What if there is no solution. What if it was too much for them to bare? Had the burden become too heavy for each of them? Was change going to be the less uncomfortable of the two options? There is uneasiness in the unknown.